Art Seen: The language behind the baton

When conductors step up to the podium, they speak volumes, in silence. Whether through the glance of an eye, the flick of a baton or full-bodied movements, a conductor communicates both the notes written on the pages of a score and the ephemeral qualities that convey the essence of music. In this video, Quinn Mason, guest conductor for Orchestra Seattle; Julia Tai, musical director of Philharmonia Northwest; and Thomas Dausgaard, music director of the Seattle Symphony, unveil the art behind the physical movements that direct orchestral music.

Press pause and explore the hidden art of the everyday. Join us every week and view the beauty behind the objects and practices that weave in to our daily lives. Discover the visual and aural moments that make this region and its people unique. From rock walls that conceal a world of choreography to finding personality in code, we’ll take viewers there through sensory-centric experiences. See more stories here.